Farthing token of John Smith of March, Isle of Ely, dated 1820.
Farthing tokens were struck during a period when there was a shortage of regal small change. A dramatic increase in the price of copper in the early 19th century brought about a cessation of minting between 1807 and 1821, and removal of circulating coins for melting down at a profit. The need for these tokens disappeared with the resumption of official pennies, halfpennies and farthings in the 1820s.